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By Kyle McCarthy

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Mar 26, 2013 7:45:00 AM

Montréal extended its unbeaten run to start the season with a 1-0 victory over New York and prolonged its spell atop the Rankings in the process.

1. Montréal – Leave it to veteran poacher Marco di Vaio to focus on the negatives (missed chances) instead of the positives (a fourth straight win). Even with this bright start, he knows the surprising table toppers still have work ahead of them. (1)

2. Los Angeles – Galaxy coach Bruce Arena must hope Robbie Keane did not suffer a serious calf injury in Stockholm on Friday. His protracted absence would strip this side of its potency. (3)

3. San Jose – Good teams find a way to win under adverse circumstances. It helps to have Chris Wondolowski around to pluck something from nothing and smooth the way to success, though. (6)

4. Houston – Question the Dynamo's ability to claim a result at BBVA Compass Stadium at your own risk. (7)

5. FC Dallas – The combination of creativity and pace ensures plenty of menacing forays from this aggressive group. But will the rearguard hold up with all of those players flying into the opposing half? (10)

6. Vancouver – Forget about Nigel Reo-Coker's public comments about Darren Mattocks' decision to shoot instead of square. Martin Rennie may not have appreciated them, but they are done and dusted by now. (2)

7. Sporting Kansas City – Sporting manager Peter Vermes will remind his players more than once this week about what happened against the Impact last season. (4)

8. Real Salt Lake – The return of Nat Borchers bodes well for the long term. (5)

9. Philadelphia – At this point, it doesn't matter whether Kléberson contributes. His arrival in a quasi-swap deal with Freddy Adu represents a wise move because it gives John Hackworth a potential contributor in place of a player he simply didn't have in his plans moving forward. (9)

10. Columbus – Keep an eye on the Crew. (12)

11. D.C. United – United must find a way to improve its work in the final third. Rafael won't supply audacious goals every week, after all. (8)

12. Chivas USA – The question for the Red-and-White now: will the results continue once opposing sides take the evidence gathered over the first month of the season and apply it accordingly? (14)

13. Seattle – For a team with plenty of quality within the ranks, Sounders FC has noticeable lacked the necessary sharpness in the final third during the early stages of this season. (11)

14. New England – FC Dallas' arrival on Saturday provides a nice litmus test for a side with two solid results from three matches to start the campaign. (13)

15. New York – No need to worry just yet. But a home defeat to Philadelphia on Saturday might spark some warranted concern. (15)

17. Portland – As the Timbers approach a winnable away game in Colorado, they must take special care to avoid getting caught out on the break. The home side hasn't played particularly well this season, but it can exploit the Timbers' penchant for pushing too many players forward. (17)

18. Chicago – One goal isn't enough to solve the widespread problems in Bridgeview right now. Maybe a weekend off will provide the solutions. (18)

19. Colorado – A sign of the times for the beleaguered Rapids: consummate professional Drew Moor lashing out at Marcelo Sarvas on Saturday night. (19)